Energy cost and motivation in a population of young swimmers

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relationship between the energy cost implied in competition in different swimming events and its relationship with motivation to practice this sport.Methods: A total of 389 swimmers (192 boys and 197 girls), aged 8-22 years, who competed in events with different energy demands responded to the Spanish versions of the Participation Motivation Inventory.Results: A multivariate analysis showed that the energy cost of the preferential event had a significant influence on the swimmer motivation (Wilk's λ=0.96, F7,388=6.29, P<0.005). A later univariate analysis showed that the motivation of swimmers in predominantly aerobic modalities, as compared to those in anaerobic ones, was significantly influenced by four motivational components: "Health/Fitness", "Fun/Friendship", "Competition/Skills" and "Significant Others". The motivational factors also varied according to gender and stage of sport development of the swimmers.Conclusion: The results of this study show signs that the motivational factors related to the practice of competitive swimming in young athletes behaves differently depending on the energy cost of the test carried out.